Frank Thomas Atchison, 96, of Quincy, MA, died April 9, 2020, just in time to reunite with his departed wife, Rita, for what would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. Frank delighted in wilderness hikes, working with his hands, animals both domestic and wild, and—best of all—welcoming every child, grandchild, niece, nephew and neighbor's baby into the world. He was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran, a master plasterer, and a prolific gardener whose tomatoes were sublime, as any French Street neighbor will attest.

Frank was born in Newport, RI, and spent his early years in Georgia and Tennessee. At 13 he moved to Cape Cod and not long afterwards joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in Vermont, planting trees and constructing park trails—an experience that inspired a lifelong love for Vermont's natural beauty. At 18 Frank joined the Navy as a submarine torpedoman on the U.S.S. Halibut, completing nine war patrols over five years and surviving extreme depth charges in the Pacific; he was eternally grateful to have been that lucky and to have been given the chance to return to the States, marry and start a family.

Following the war Frank attended trade school to learn plastering and apprenticed to Rita's uncles. He especially enjoyed meticulously restoring ornamental plaster in churches and historic buildings throughout New England, and working as head plasterer at Long Island Hospital, Boston. After retiring he apprenticed himself to a skilled family friend to learn more about carpentry, and was part of a core group of Dunkin' Donuts morning regulars. His final year was spent at Compass on the Bay, South Boston, where he brightened many a day with a smile, song or story for staff, visitors and fellow residents.

Friends and family will remember Frank's particular wisdom: There are no such things as strangers, just people you haven't talked to yet. Factual details are nice, but optional when telling a good story. You should always have a flashlight within arm's reach, and binoculars, too. Apple cider vinegar, honey and dandelion greens work a variety of wonders. If you've got a hose and a backyard, you can easily make a neighborhood skating rink. Skunks are cute, especially their kits, and they won't spray you if you feed them and talk to them nicely. Mother Nature soothes the soul—take care of her, and she'll take care of you.

Frank is survived by his five children, Judy Gordon, Nancy Ehrlich, Thomas Atchison, Paul Atchison and Trice Atchison, their partners, and his eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren and devoted niece and nephews.

A service in honor of Frank's life will be held in September 2020—details will follow at a later date. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Friends of the Blue Hills at friendsofthebluehills.org. Correspondence can be sent to Trice Atchison, PO Box 178, Great Barrington, MA 01230.

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